Thanks, but we’ve got CoQ10 at home.

CoQ10 is a pretty popular supplement added to everything from energy drinks to “brain boosting” pills but is there really any proven benefit to orally taking this supplement? 

Short answer: Maybe. So far, the evidence seems to suggest that the average person usually produces enough CoQ10 to max out all the benefits it yields. Taking it orally is not shown to guarantee any notable advantage but let’s back up. What is CoQ10? 

CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound that is made in the body from a balanced diet. It is credited with facilitating the production of adenosine triphosphate or ATP. It’s also helpful in the creation of other necessary compounds from ATP or mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. You may have heard this rare and incredibly obscure fact that states: The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Well, ATP is the energy it creates.  Additionally, CoQ10 is an antioxidant that protects the cell from damage and aids in cellular repairs. So, overall, great stuff. That said, taking CoQ10 orally only really seems to benefit those who suffer from a genetic mutation which limits the body’s ability to naturally produce CoQ10 from food. Even then, it’s an imperfect solution for this special use case.

Despite this, CoQ10 is popping up in a ton of products, especially fitness and wellness supplements. However, the research doesn’t suggest that there is a measurable increase in energy or mental clarity from consuming CoQ10. In fact, the research doesn’t tie CoQ10 to a measurable benefit in the treatment of any major health issue, including chronic ones like diabetes or high blood pressure.

There is some evidence that it might mitigate some of the harm that cancer treatments like chemotherapy cause. Additionally, it may increase the success of traditional congestive heart failure treatment for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.  In one study, CoQ10 supplementation appeared to reduce the mortality rate of bypass patients compared to a control group. However, further research is required to definitively determine whether CoQ10 alone caused this decrease.

Low levels of CoQ10 in the body can be an indicator of underlying health issues. Although it could signal early warning signs for a variety of other problems, taking CoQ10 supplements may not be beneficial in most cases. There are only a few specific situations where taking CoQ10 supplements can be helpful. The bottom line is that the increasingly popular inclusion of this compound in energy drinks may not be worth all the hype.

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This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a prescriptive or diagnostic tool. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, including CoQ10, based on your medical history and specific needs. However, we hope that this article can assist you in avoiding some of the prevalent CoQ10 scams and help you make an informed decision about its potential benefits.